Back in the early 1960s, uncomplicated reliable buses which were ‘good starters’ were preferred and in 1963, ex SMT Duple bodied AEC Regal ESC 447 (B47) was operating the mail service in to Thurso. By chance, it was required for attention at the engineering works at the company headquarters, and it continued on its nine hour journey to Inverness that day. JOHN SINCLAIR